A Transformative Donation
In April 2025, U of T launched the Lawson Climate Institute, named in honour of Brian Lawson and Joannah Lawson’s transformative $60-million donation. The Lawson Climate Institute will galvanize and accelerate U of T’s capacity to advance the technologies, policies, and incentives needed to make the global transition to net zero.
Building on U of T’s global reputation for sustainability and environmental stewardship
The Lawson Climate Institute will combine and catalyze U of T’s multidisciplinary strengths in engineering, science, finance, law, economics, business, and agriculture, as well as foster collaboration with governments, the private sector and public-sector institutions, in translating solutions-oriented research into real-world sustainable technologies and equitable, practical climate policies.
Anchored by Four Key Pillars
The Lawson Climate Institute will generate practical, effective and equitable climate solutions by focusing on four core areas of interconnected activity. By investing across these areas, accelerating their momentum and creating new mechanisms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration between them, the Lawson Climate Institute will multiply its impact.
Sustainable Innovation and Technology
Solutions-oriented research, enabling innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships
Leaders for a Sustainable Future
Three new research chairs (climate-tech, climate-policy, climate-food) and support for students to become leaders
Climate Policy and Sustainable Finance
Research on policy and finance that translates into action and impact, helping to incentivize solutions to climate change
Climate Positive Campus
Transforming University of Toronto campuses into living laboratories, engaging students and industry partners in demonstrating novel and practical ways to create sustainable institutions
For Students
Mission Innovation: Smart CDR Competition
University of Toronto’s Lawson Climate Institute is pleased to support the SMART-CDR Competition under the Mission Innovation banner.
News
Introducing the Toronto Climate Week Advisory Team
Lawson Climate Institute is pleased to present Toronto Climate Week (TOCW) as a Title Sponsor. Recognizing that delivering climate action at scale takes experience, perspective, and trusted guidance, TOCW is proud to introduce the Toronto Climate Week 2026 Advisory...
Highlights from our St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Community Workshops
On January 7 and January 10, Lawson Climate Institute welcomed more than 50 guests who work, live, or are otherwise connected to Toronto's St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, for interactive community workshops. Focused on conversations to shape a flourishing, healthier,...
Meet the Lawson Climate and Sustainability Award Recipients for 2025–2026
University of Toronto’s Lawson Climate Institute (LCI) is pleased to announce the awardees of the Lawson Climate and Sustainability Awards for multi-disciplinary students for the 2025–2026 academic year. These awards are generously supported by the Brian and Joannah...
Upcoming Events
